Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom and it is a beautiful tourist-friendly country. The mighty Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, and the Irish Sea surround this country. So, it is hardly surprising that the country boasts some of the finest sea beaches. Here is a great opportunity for you to taste the salty wind, listen to the seabirds chirping happily, enjoy the rhythmic sounds made by the waves and the feel of the gorgeous pure sands on your bare feet that stretch for several miles. After all, there are very few beaches that are as special as the ones in this magnificent country. The beaches in Scotland come in different shapes and sizes. So, check out our list of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland, UK.
1. Balnakeil Beach
Balnakeil Beach is a white sea beach featuring huge sand dunes. Located in proximity to Cape Wrath near Durness Highlands, it is considered to be one of the finest beaches in north Scotland. The wide and clean beach is easily accessible and you will come across a wide variety of habitats here. Bathing here is peaceful and unspoiled while the beach is also popular for its fabulous sunsets. So, include this beach on your travel itinerary and enjoy your beach vacation. To access the beach, you need to come to the Craft Village; it is approximately a 20-minute-walk from the nearest bus stop.
Balnakeil Beach
Address: Durness, Scotland
Website: Balnakeil Beach
2. Tolsta Beach
A crofting village, Tolsta is at a convenient distance from Stornoway, Lewis’ main town. The moment you reach the beach, you will learn that there is something immensely refreshing about the breeze here that will make you stay for hours. The tranquil cove is concealed away from the road approaching it, making it an ideal stop for a picnic with your family or friends. This long and sandy sea beach is preferred by surfers.
Tolsta Beach
Address: Sruthan a’ Phuirt, Scotland, United Kingdom
Website: Tolsta Beach
3. Aberdeen Beach
This charming city beach features a beautiful esplanade while the golden coastline covers a distance of 3 km (1.86 mi). It is one of the finest beaches in the country for catching glimpses of bottlenose dolphins during the summer. The beach is also a hot favorite among foodies because there are plenty of places selling deliciously fresh seafood. Enjoy a stroll along this scenic beach that is located in proximity to Aberdeen City Center. The beach is famous for its sports and recreational areas and it allures several visitors all through the year. It is a stone’s throw from restaurants, cafes, Linx Ice Area, and the Beach Leisure Center. Other nearby facilities include a gym, retail park, and a cinema.
Aberdeen Beach
Address: Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
Website: Aberdeen Beach
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4. St Ninian's Isle
A huge natural sand causeway, St. Ninians Isle Beach has the sea on either side and is an absolute visual treat. Situated on Shetland’s west coast, the beach links the Isle with the South Mainland. Visitors can easily access the beach from the nearest township called Bigton. The picturesque beach often features in Shetland’s promotional photographs and materials. A rural farming area, the beach also has an interesting archaeological site nearby.
St Ninian's Isle
Address: Bigton, Scotland
Website: St Ninian’s Isle
5. Rockcliffe Beach
Rockcliffe is a tiny sandy beach with rocks and it is set in the scenic village with the same name, near Dalbeattie. It is an excellent beach for going out for long walks with your loved ones and it allures many tourists every year. The beach is a great destination for a day out because there are several points of interest nearby. The sea can be extremely close or go even a mile away depending on the tide’s state.
Rockcliffe Beach
Address: Dalbeattie DG5 4QQ, Scotland, United Kingdom
Website: Rockcliffe Beach
6. Seilebost Beach
Irrespective of the season, you can expect the seawater here to be crystal clear and blue. One just cannot resist the urge to go paddling. Seilebost Beach is immensely photogenic and is set next to a small crofting village. It is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and largest sea beaches on Harris. A great way to explore this beautiful beach, as well as the other nearby attractions, is to cycle along the Hebridean Way Cycling Route.
Seilebost Beach
Address: Seilebost, Isle of Harris HS3 3HP, Scotland, UK
Website: Seilebost Beach
7. Coldingham Bay
Coldingham Bay is a pristine beach located close to Edinburgh and is over a 60-minute drive from the country’s capital city. The beach is incredibly popular with dog walkers, as well as surfers. After all, the sands on the beach are simply perfect for surfing, watching the hermit crabs do what they are best at, and going for long walks. Enjoy a stroll to St Abbs from Coldingham following the Creel Path and marvel at the crystal-clear seawater and mesmerizing wildlife.
Coldingham Bay
Address: Coldingham TD14 5NR, Scotland
Website: Coldingham Bay
8. Vatersay Bay
The gorgeous aquamarine waters and the stunning white sand make this beach look like one of the seabeaches of Seychelles. Vatersay Beach stretches for around half a mile (0.8 km) and is located on the Outer Hebrides and features innumerable dunes. Stroll along this charming beach and experience the beauty of nature like never before. The Outer Hebrides is known for some of the hauntingly pristine beaches and this is one of them.
Vatersay Bay
Address: Vatersay, Scotland, United Kingdom
Website: Vatersay Bay
9. Achmelvich Beach
Welcome to this gorgeous, white sandy beach, featuring popular camping and caravan spots nearby! Achmelvich Beach is a popular site for outdoorsy visitors such as kayakers, windsurfers, and water skiers. The beach is bustling with tourists and activities during summer. Other nearby attractions include climbs and walks, the quaint morphology of the locality, and hiking trails. Those who are fond of fishing will also have a gala time here. You are allowed to bring your furry friends as long as you keep them under control.
Achmelvich Beach
Address:Lochinver, Scotland
Website: Achmelvich Beach
10. Ayr Beach
In case you are fond of a beach that offers abundant family-friendly activities and are blissful and sandy, you have chosen the right beach. Ayr Beach is an excellent spot for building sandcastles and for enjoying picnics. The generous expanse of grass here ensures that kids can play on without getting hurt. There is a play area right adjacent to this beach. Ayr is less than a 60-minute drive away from the city of Glasgow and so it is quite convenient to access.
Ayr Beach
Address: Esplanade Rd., Ayr KA7 2AS, Scotland
Website: Ayr Beach
Visit Scotland, a beautiful country
Scotland is a beautiful country with a rich and awe-inspiring history, excellent tourist attractions, and it is blessed with great natural wonders. Visit the country and its equally mesmerizing beaches to enjoy a scintillating beach vacation. Do not forget to go through the above-mentioned beaches in Scotland, UK, so that you can plan your itinerary accordingly.
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